practising good sleep habits – for example, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, not napping during the day, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime

avoiding medicines that trigger the symptomsor make them worse – if you think medication is causing your symptoms, continue to take it and make an appointment to see your GP

During an episode of restless legs syndrome, the following measures may help relieve your symptoms:

massaging your legs

taking a hot bath in the evening

applying a hot or cold compress to your leg muscles

doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television

A small medical trial carried out in 2011 found a type of osteopathic exercise technique called positional release manipulation could be of benefit to people with restless legs syndrome. It involves holding different parts of the body in positions found to reduce feelings of pain and discomfort.

Medication

Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists may be recommended if you're experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome. They work by increasing dopamine levels, which are often low.

Dopamine agonists that may be recommended include:

ropinirole

pramipexole

rotigotine skin patch

These medications can occasionally make you feel sleepy, so you should be cautious when driving or using tools or machinery after taking them. Other possible side effects can include nausea, dizziness and headaches.

If you experience nausea while taking a dopamine agonist, you may be given medication to help with this (antiemitic medication).

Impulse control disorder (ICD) is a less common side effect sometimes associated with dopamine agonists.

People with ICD are unable to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others. For example, this could be an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, or sex (hypersexuality).

However, the urges associated with ICD will subside once treatment with the dopamine agonist is stopped.

Painkillers

A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine or tramadol, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome.

Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Side effects of these medications include dizziness, tiredness and headaches.

Aiding sleep

If restless legs syndrome is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medication may be recommended to help you sleep.

These types of medication are known as hypnotics, and include temazepam and loprazolam. Hypnotics are usually only recommended for short-term use (typically no longer than a week).

You may find you still feel sleepy or "hungover" the morning after taking your medication.

Levodopa

Levodopa may be recommended if you only have occasional symptoms of restless legs syndrome. This is because if you took levodopa every day, there's a high risk it would actually make your symptoms worse.

Levodopa is available in tablet or liquid form, and you should take it once you feel the symptoms of restless legs syndrome coming on.

The medication will make you feel very sleepy (often suddenly), so you should never drive or use tools or machinery after taking levodopa.

The exact reason for the increased risk is unclear, but it may be that the rapid leg movements are associated with an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Sleep problems have also been linked to cardiovascular disease.